Local Family Commissions Sculpture for Methodist University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUGUST 15, 2007
MARIA SIKORYAK-ROBINS
DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY PUBLICATIONS

FAYETTEVILLE, NC—Dr. Gerald and Mrs. Naoma Ellison, long-time supporters of the arts in Cumberland County, have commissioned a sculpture for Methodist University. An installation ceremony will take place on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 11:00 a.m. on the plaza in front of Methodist University’s Reeves Auditorium.

Naoma Ellison said, speaking for herself and her husband, “We feel that Methodist University is the gateway to the city from the north, and as the city grows and expands, we would like Methodist to be a venue for sculptures and other visual arts.”

The sculpture, titled “Elevated Visions,” is the first piece of external art to be installed on the Methodist University campus. Mrs. Ellison added, “My husband and I felt that Baker’s sculpture would be an ideal start to what we hope will become the first of many visual art pieces on campus.”

The stainless steel abstract weighs approximately 350 lbs. and is over 10 feet tall and five feet wide. Michael Baker, a nationally-recognized North Carolina sculptor, took four months to complete the sculpture.

The Ellisons were introduced to Baker through Silvana Foti, chair of Methodist University’s Art Department, and Kieth Dippre, chair of the Music Department. Ellison said, “We saw examples of his work and we were very impressed.”
The installation ceremony is open to the public. Admission is free.

About the Artist
Michael Baker, a self-taught artist, has been working in sculpture for over 20 years. He first became aware of the visual arts while teaching tennis at a resort in Santa Fe, N.M., where there was a particular sculpture yard of large and monument pieces. A move to Loveland, Colo., another artistic community, led him to pursue his interest first-hand. He began by taking a technical course on welding techniques.

For two years, Baker worked with the well-respected Colorado sculptor, George Tate, which he feels laid the foundation for his career as a professional artist. Baker now lives in Salisbury, N.C., where he and his wife Connie have converted a former bakery into both a studio and home.

Baker’s art has been recognized by the North American Sculpture Show in Golden, Colo., and he has won various other awards at national juried fine art shows throughout the United States.

Methodist University is an independent four-year institution of higher education with over 2,100 students from 41 states and 30 countries. Methodist University offers over 70 majors and concentrations, three master’s degree programs, and 19 NCAA III intercollegiate sports. For more information, contact Methodist University’s Office of Development at (910) 630-7200.